A boat capsized off the coast of California, killing four people and injuring four others. Authorities suspect human smuggling.
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© Hayne Palmour IV/Reuters
Four people died in a suspected smuggling accident off the coast of San Diego on Saturday night. Four others were taken to hospitals with injuries, according to the US Coast Guard. Additionally, one person was handed over to authorities and arrested, the coast guard said in a statement. The search for possible victims is still ongoing.
The Panga-type boat, often used by smugglers for the dangerous crossing from Mexico to California, capsized near Imperial Beach on Saturday night. US coastal cities are to the south San Diegonear the US-Mexico border. That’s why the authorities suspect human smuggling. Additionally, some survivors said they were Mexican, the coast guard said. The Department of Homeland Security took over the investigation into the incident.
Due to the lack of legal exit routes, many people try to reach the US through illegal routes from Mexico and Central America. It is not uncommon for fatal accidents to occur.
